Learning EMDR is a process

The great contribution of EMDR to our clinical work is to make episodic memories associated with traumatic experiences and dysfunctional family dynamics and attachment figures, more functional and constructive. Through EMDR we can achieve in a more direct and effective way what usually took years of therapy. After working on these memories of dysfunctional family patterns and relationships, the client not only solves the disturbing emotions linked to these memories, but is aware of the process he is doing and aspects of his self-esteem, sense of self are enhanced. Clients are more focused on the here and now, have more confidence in their competences and their value as a person and at the same time this process of differentiation and growth has an effect on his family system and parenting skills. During the process of learning EMDR, participants do not learn only the protocol, since teaching EMDR involve many aspects. Specially during phase 1, in order to be able to make a case conceptualization and a treatment planning, clinicians need to identify treatment goals, use their clinical judgement, take the client’s history and his family history, understand attachment issues, identify the different nature of experiential contributors (simple trauma, complex trauma, neglect, etc.), identify the precipitating factor and the present triggers and prepare the client for the future. The role of the EMDR Europe Consultant is to guide on the field the clinician to apply all these complex aspects and to master the 8 phases of the protocol. During the presentation, different strategies and tips will be presented to facilitate the Conceptualization and Treatment Planning, according to the Adaptive Information Processing model. Guidelines to facilitate the learning process of clinicians to achieve Practitioner Certification will be discussed.

Conference

English

Isabel Fernandez

Fernandez, I. (2021, June). Learning EMDR is a process. Presentation at the 20th EMDR Europe Association Conference, Virtual